3D-printed concrete canoe: 2018 project

The 2018 Concrete Canoe project marked a bold and playful beginning in Vertico’s journey as a 3D concrete printing company. This early experiment brought together creativity, engineering, and innovation in a unique format: a functioning canoe, produced using sand molds and 3D printed components.

From Concept to Competition

From the first design sketches to structural calculations, programming, printing, and finally the float test, the project served as an intensive hands-on case study. Every phase pushed the limits of what was possible with concrete as a material—and digital fabrication as a process.

The project culminated in an exciting moment: competing in a real canoe race, proving not only the material strength but also the feasibility of 3D-printed designs in demanding, real-world scenarios.

A Milestone for Innovation

Though playful in nature, the Concrete Canoe project laid critical groundwork for future structural applications. It demonstrated that 3D concrete printing isn’t just for static architecture—it’s adaptable, performative, and precise, capable of producing strong, lightweight components.

Follow the Journey

Explore the gallery below to follow the canoe’s journey - from creation to competition and beyond!